OBJECTIVES: Dynamic stretching plays a significant role in preparation of sports activities requiring rapid strength and strength-endurance. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of dynamic stretching in adolescent male basketball players. Our main goal was to measure these effects mainly on agility and sprint performance comparing the dynamic stretch (DS) and non stretch (NS) conditions.

METHODS: RESULTS: Paired Sample T-Tests were used to demonstrate the effects of the interventions. There was a significant improvement (p = 0.013) in agility after the dynamic stretch warm-up (NS = 17.84 ± 0.42s), (DS = 17.69 ± 0.45s) while there was no significant effect (p = 0.059) in sprint performance (NS = 2.79 ± 0.14s), (DS = 2.74 ± 0.17s). Significant improvement (0.045) was also detected in reaction time on the last of the testing days (Day1 = 0.055 ± 0.025s), (Day2 = 0.049 ± 0.024s).

CONCLUSIONS: Results show that dynamic stretching warm-up has only a significant effect on sprint performance and agility if performed on longer distances or longer durations. Moreover the reaction time could be decreased by the adequate amount repetition of the specific movements.